How to Navigate Wedding Shows

Wedding shows can be intimidating and overwhelming.

The large expos can almost be like the opening of Target on Black Friday! Here is some help on navigating the rough waters of wedding shows.

Start Early

Start searching for wedding shows and expos that you are interested in right after you are engaged or at least a year in advance. I would suggest going to different types of shows, the large expo ones, a venue tour or open house and a boutique show that is a more intimate setting that usually has a mock wedding set up with ceremony and reception decor.

Pre-Register

Pre-registering usually allows you to receive discount tickets so you can avoid the lines at the ticket box office the day of the show. It also gets you free stuff! We all like free things.

Research and Strategize

Know what vendors you definitely want to see and find them on the layout map, which you can find on the show's website. Set-up a new email address, you will be inundated with emails after the show. Create address labels with your name, wedding date and new email address, every vendor you will meet will want this information either for them to send you newsletters or enter you into drawings for gifts or discounts. Bring a notebook and use your phone camera. Write down the vendors information, what you liked about them, what you didn't like about them and if they have their booth set up with something that catches your eye, take a photo.

You are not the Only Star in this Show

Please realize that you and your tribe are not the only focus for the vendors, they are looking for as many potential clients as possible. That is not to say that you are not important. If it is a vendor that you are interested in booking their services make sure that you talk to them, introduce yourself and tell them your needs. Gather their information, give them your information, on your address label that you created, and if possible make an appointment for a one on one consultation.

Go to the Seminars and Fashion Shows

You paid good money for your ticket to this show so get your money's worth out of it. The producers usually have great keynote speakers and the bridal fashion shows are usually top of the line gowns with touches, like bouquets, from vendors in the show. The guest speakers will have great planning information and the fashion show will give you an idea of your likes and dislikes and how the dresses move while walking and such. You may like that mermaid cut gown, but if you can't walk well in it then it may not be for you.

Last but not anyway the least important…

Wear Comfortable Shoes

I know you want to look your best but you are going to be walking lots. Don't wear the 5-inch stilettos, your feet will be barking by the end of the day.